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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by SandiDee on September 14, 2005, at 19:03:19
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor » SandiDee, posted by sad1 on September 14, 2005, at 13:55:59
I am currently on 150 mg. of each, the welbutrin and the effexor xr. I started the effexor xr in june also, and the welbutrin about 3 weeks ago. The sexual side effect, (not wanting any), is pretty much gone, thank goodness, and I'm not sure if the dry mouth is gone, or if I just don't notice it as much anymore. I have lost alot of my appetite also, but that started with the effexor, and the constipation is still a pain in the butt, (literally), but I also started a little higher fiber diet, oh so yummy all bran for breakfast. I am truly thankful for this med combination, I think that if I hadn't done something I would be a total basket case right now. I do understand that some meds don't work for some people, and also that some people hate all meds, and they have that right, all I know is what works for me.
Posted by Sibleygal on September 16, 2005, at 20:16:36
In reply to just started effexor xr today, posted by scaredofmeds on September 7, 2005, at 20:19:23
> I just started this today and already i don't know if i like the way it makes me feel. It knocked me out for 4 hours midday. I suffer from ptsd & depression. I have tried several meds but don't like the way i feel when i'm on them. I have also noticed that my jaw is almost always clinched- which is going to give me a horrible headache. Any suggestions from anyone will be welcome. Also.....I have the worst case of nausea that i have ever had in my life. Can't even think of food i want to hurl.
>
> Thank You!!!
I know some time has gone by, I hope you've adjusted to the Effexor. It can be tough to adjust to any med, but worth it. I, too, suffer from PTSD (for last 5 years) and depression (for at least 25 years). The panic attacks became crippling as I started fearing the night and I was afraid to sleep. My anxiety made me so tense that my shoulders hurt from wearing them on my earlobes, if you know what I mean :)
Talk therapy was useless so I was referred to a therapist for EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). This procedure saved my life!! Go to EMDR.com and see if this can help you too. And discuss it with your therapist.
The EMDR brought back my ability to live life and Effexor kept me from wanting to end it.Good luck! -Sibleygal
Posted by LynnPerley on September 16, 2005, at 23:10:58
In reply to just started effexor xr today, posted by scaredofmeds on September 7, 2005, at 20:19:23
> I just started this today and already i don't know if i like the way it makes me feel. It knocked me out for 4 hours midday. I suffer from ptsd & depression. I have tried several meds but don't like the way i feel when i'm on them. I have also noticed that my jaw is almost always clinched- which is going to give me a horrible headache. Any suggestions from anyone will be welcome. Also.....I have the worst case of nausea that i have ever had in my life. Can't even think of food i want to hurl.
>
> Thank You!!!You should stay on Effexor for at least two weeks to a month before you decide it is not for you. It takes a while for the side effects to settle down. I had the constipation and the nausea too, but it goes away. You will have nausea if you miss a dose, eventually. I increased my fiber intake and also took some Metamucil for that. The dry mouth is a good thing if you look at it this way - you should drink lots of water anyway!
Posted by toggle on September 17, 2005, at 3:15:38
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
k lots of posts already but...i suffered from depression after a mild traumatic brain injury-i have had success 300mg...got rid of the depresssion leaving me pretty numb and like i'm unable to feel joy...which makes me want to try to overcome my depression without the meds so i can feel my own true authentic feelings and not this median baseline the drug has reduced me to...also i feel effexor is somewhat overperscribed - the withdrawal doesn't look too good
Posted by badfish37 on September 17, 2005, at 3:41:22
In reply to Effexor and Tiredness?, posted by Ezra666 on September 11, 2005, at 22:41:52
I have been trying to get off Effoxor for 4 days, which was directed by my doctor. I went off of it gradually and now I feel like a crack addict missing my drug. I have been having these hollow headaches that I'v had before when I forgot to take my med, I have been throwing up and I have panic attacks. I'm freaking out and they seem to get worse everyday. I cant call my doc cause its Saturday and hes not in till Monday, but I cant handle these side effects anymore. I dont know what to do about it, if anyone has any feedback let me know, cause I seriously am thinking about taking them just to ease the pain and I know I shouldnt.
Posted by gardenergirl on September 17, 2005, at 16:00:17
In reply to cant get off this effexor!!!, posted by badfish37 on September 17, 2005, at 3:41:22
Hi,
Just wanted to let you know that I redirected your post to the Withdrawal board, where I think you might find more responses.Here is a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050822/msgs/556018.htmlgood luck,
gg
Posted by canuck22 on September 18, 2005, at 0:31:24
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by SandiDee on September 14, 2005, at 6:37:53
Haven't written for awhile since I last wrote about my effexor/wellbutrin combo and I am SO happy that you stuck with it and didn't go off right away like alot of people on this website seem to do. I had to give it time too and it was the best thing I ever did in my life. Haven't felt this good in so long..it may have taken insomnis for a couple of months to get to this point, but it was worth it. I was on 75 of Effexor and 200 of Wellbutrin and recently I have reduced my effexor to 37.5 and my wellbutrin to 300 a day. My doctor wanted me to try this combo to see if it was any different. So far I have felt a bit light headed but it is really only minor and like you I am going to give it a couple of weeks and I am sure things will normalize. Everyone who complains about the side effects here...please just try to get past the first 3-4 weeks, it really does take awhile for your bosy to get used to it...just like it takes 3-4 weeks for it to work...give it a chance
> Just an update regarding starting Welbutrin to combat the side effects of Effexor xr. I have been on the Effexor since June and the side effects I experienced were a total loss of interest in sex, dry mouth, and a few other minor ones. I started the Welbutrin about 3-4 weeks ago and WOW what a difference! I believe I have found the right dosage, and combination of meds to help me, and I feel so much better than I have in a very long time! I was a doubting thomas when my Dr. prescribed the Effexor, and I was also afraid to start it because of the side effects, but I am so glad I did. I read alot here from people who try the meds for only a few days, and I think they are not truly giving it a chance to get into their systems. I know I'm glad I continued with mine!
Posted by wildcard on September 18, 2005, at 0:46:00
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by canuck22 on September 18, 2005, at 0:31:24
I take 225 effexor xr and am so fatigued it is horrid. i plan on asking my doc to add wellbutrin to boost my energy and help w/ the residual depression. did u have increased energy?
Posted by graceneeded on September 18, 2005, at 7:01:28
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor » canuck22, posted by wildcard on September 18, 2005, at 0:46:00
I will be off Effexor totally in 4 days. It was a great ride while lasted. Time to take off the safety wheels and see what I have learned. Watch out in front!
Posted by wildcard on September 18, 2005, at 10:14:49
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor, posted by graceneeded on September 18, 2005, at 7:01:28
Posted by HelenR on September 21, 2005, at 20:51:23
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I started on effexor in july 2004 after struggling with depression for about six months. I waited till my son was born first and decided enough was enough. took 75 mg a day and by nov/dec 04 was feeling good. by jan05 started weaning off. big mistake, depression returned so started again in mar05 and had to up by may05 to 150 mg/day....took what seemed like forever to kick in but by jul/aug 05 much better. now feel great
just wondered if anyone else found that after having gone off, then subsequently required more of the drug to feel better. needless to say I won't try weaning off again for a long if time if ever at all
thanks
Posted by LynnPerley on September 21, 2005, at 23:06:53
In reply to had to up the dose after withdrawal, posted by HelenR on September 21, 2005, at 20:51:23
I tried tapering off of Effexor at the end of 2004 following nearly 3 years on the drug. At the peak I was taking 300 mg. I was able to taper to 37.5 mg daily without too much problem but I could never go off completely. I ended up having a relapse of my depression. I worked back up to 225 mg Effexor and then talked to my doc about side effects - so I've been taking Prozac with the Effexor for about a month now. I am now taking 40 mg Prozac daily in addition to the 225mg Effexor and I feel better than I have in a long time. I am hoping that I can cut back on the Effexor in a few weeks, on a gradual basis, because of the Prozac. (I initially tried Prozac but had to discontinue due to side effects, but I am willing to try again due to a better ability to handle side effects).
Posted by HelenR on September 22, 2005, at 6:19:00
In reply to Long time user of Effexor » HelenR, posted by LynnPerley on September 21, 2005, at 23:06:53
LynnP, thanks
if you don't mind me asking, what were side effects?
Posted by HelenR on September 22, 2005, at 6:22:45
In reply to Long time user of Effexor, posted by LynnPerley on September 11, 2005, at 22:26:02
sorry LynnP
just read your previous entries re side effects
fortunately I haven't had any side effects other than some minor weight gaingood luck
Posted by LynnPerley on September 22, 2005, at 22:47:41
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor-sideeffects, posted by HelenR on September 22, 2005, at 6:22:45
The side effect that caused me to switch from Prozac to Effexor initially was bruxism (jaw clenching). The side effect that caused me to want to wean off of Effexor was general lack of motivation and tiredness. Effexor kept me functional for a long time when I really needed it, and I do not regret taking it. I've come to the conclusion that I need something else. I can't take Wellbutrin due to a seizure history. Taking 15 mg of Ritalin twice a day helps me concentrate, and Buspar helped me work through the jaw clenching apsect when it bothered me before.
I feel weird taking the Ritalin. I can mail order a 90 day prescription to my insurance company, so I don't have the hassle of going to the doc's office once a month to pick up a new prescription, but I find myself skipping it on the days I don't need to focus on details. I would probably do better if I took it daily twice a day - but the difference is so subtle it is hard for me to appreciate it. I'm content to laze back and ignore the fact that I am sticking my head in the sand about my responsibilities and I waste a lot of time when I do not take it because I am easily distracted.
It is so hard to determine mental side effects of meds versus symptoms of the depression itself. I've discovered that the depression itself will cause me to ignore or not recognize side effcts of medication. Outside events such as a close friend or relative's comment, or messing up some responsibility like paying bills on time. cause me to *wake up* and realize that Effexor alone is no longer the best drug treatment for me.
Posted by JaneB on September 23, 2005, at 11:34:00
In reply to Long time user of Effexor » HelenR, posted by LynnPerley on September 22, 2005, at 22:47:41
If you don't mind my asking--what is your age range? I have been researching use of Ritalin for the "more mature" age group. Thanks
Posted by rory on September 24, 2005, at 1:54:35
In reply to had to up the dose after withdrawal, posted by HelenR on September 21, 2005, at 20:51:23
I have been on Effexor XR 150 mg's for around 8 years for anxiety/depression. I must say that Effexor saved my life, and its a good drug compared to others I have tried. But I will also say it IS A DRUG. And getting off of it was hard. Ive been off of it for around 3 weeks now. I tapered off over 2 weeks, and the hardest part was the first week on zero. HOWEVER, it is do-able. Everyone is different, and will detox differently. I did want to take more, even considered licking the pills, when it got bad. But I didnt, and it worked. The side effects are gone! There is a lot of advice and specifics that Id love to share if anyone wants it. Oh, and I am not fixed, or cured. I am starting the process of seeking help. Anxiety is a son of a b*tch, and it haunts me still.
Posted by LynnPerley on September 24, 2005, at 7:46:34
In reply to Re: Long time user of Effexor » LynnPerley, posted by JaneB on September 23, 2005, at 11:34:00
> If you don't mind my asking--what is your age range? I have been researching use of Ritalin for the "more mature" age group. Thanks
I'm 43.
Posted by TinMan on September 24, 2005, at 7:50:18
In reply to Long time user of Effexor » HelenR, posted by LynnPerley on September 22, 2005, at 22:47:41
You know, I had the same experience. I paid a bill late and didn't care. (Trust me when I tell you this is so not me!!) It *woke* me up when I got a call from the creditor wondering where their money was. I was tired of being so lethargic, not caring and wanting to sleep all the time. Plus, the sexual side effects were causing a strain on my already strained marriage.
I had to get pushy, but I finally got the message through to my Psychiatrist that Effexor alone was not working for me. Now I am trying the Wellbutrin 150 mg and Effexor 150 mg combo. I have been on it for almost a week and feel much better, less lethargic and sleepy.
I do get headaches though. I don't know if it because of the taper from 225 mg of Effexor to 150 mg or the Wellbutrin. Plus, sometimes I can feel my heart beating so fast in my chest (see, I do have a heart!)for no reason other than the meds.
Good luck to you that are getting off the meds. I have been reading a lot and going to therapy and marital counseling. It helps A LOT!
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 24, 2005, at 18:01:16
In reply to Actually seems to be working, posted by rory on September 24, 2005, at 1:54:35
> I tapered off over 2 weeks...
Welcome! And sorry if it's confusing here, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding tapering off to Psycho-Babble Withdrawal. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/wdrawl/20050822/msgs/559094.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by NicknameRay on September 27, 2005, at 11:21:21
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
Hi there. I'm new to this board - my first post. I was doing some research on Effexor XR and came across this board. I started seeing a therapist a couple months ago for what we've decided is very mild depression. I wanted to stay away from all medication if possible, however, she has led me to believe that a small dose of something might help. So I went to my dr last week and he started me on Effexor XR. (My mom and grandmother take it for anxiety and do well with it - so he thought genetically, it might help me.)
I started it Thursday and only 37.5 mg a day. I feel SO tired - worse than I did before (and the fatigue was one of my earliest complaints). I am constantly yawning.
After reading these posts, I'm scared to death to continue this medication and have decided to do this on my own. I don't have any anxiety and don't think this med is going to help me. Not only that but I already suffer from an extremely low libido - I don't need it to be worse.
My question is, after reading all the horrible withdrawal symptoms people have had - I'm wondering if I'm ok to stop it. I totally understand that the majority of the people withdrawing from it have been on it (and at a higher dose) for a long time, so I may not have any problem at all. Just curious for opinions (I have a call in to my dr and meet with my therapist in an hour) - do you think I can just stop taking it?
Thanks so much!
Posted by HelenR on September 27, 2005, at 11:45:59
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by NicknameRay on September 27, 2005, at 11:21:21
hi nickname Ray
I'm not an expert of course, just another taker of Effexor, but it sounds like you just started taking meds few days ago? I really don't think you need to worry about stopping them, I have always found that it takes several weeks for them to take effect
good luck
Posted by canuck22 on September 27, 2005, at 15:58:51
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by NicknameRay on September 27, 2005, at 11:21:21
I do n ot want to try to influence you because you have already seemed to make your mind up, but you should really try to keep with the effexor for at least 3 weeks. You will not notice any difference in yourself feeling better before then, it takes awhile for it to start working and teh side effects to ear off so it is unfortunate that you are writing it off.
I like you was going to a therapist who suggested I go see a doctor (and she is not an advocate of AD's at all and told me she wouldn't have suggested it unless she really thought it would help). I , also like you was very against the idea of going on an anti-depressant and being tired was the worst symptom I had as well. After about 2 weeks on 37.5 mg of the effexor and 200mg of Wellbutrin (I think it helps with the tiredness, it gives you energy) I felt a world of difference and I am glad I stuck with it. I also had very mild depression which I believe has been present for a number of years and I only got help when it got worse. I just want you to know you do not have to feel even mildly depressed for one day longer, it isn't any way to really experience your life. Hope you don't go through any withdrawls. I went from 75 mg to 37.5 mg without any problem and am hoping it will stay that way. Good Luck
> Hi there. I'm new to this board - my first post. I was doing some research on Effexor XR and came across this board. I started seeing a therapist a couple months ago for what we've decided is very mild depression. I wanted to stay away from all medication if possible, however, she has led me to believe that a small dose of something might help. So I went to my dr last week and he started me on Effexor XR. (My mom and grandmother take it for anxiety and do well with it - so he thought genetically, it might help me.)
>
> I started it Thursday and only 37.5 mg a day. I feel SO tired - worse than I did before (and the fatigue was one of my earliest complaints). I am constantly yawning.
>
> After reading these posts, I'm scared to death to continue this medication and have decided to do this on my own. I don't have any anxiety and don't think this med is going to help me. Not only that but I already suffer from an extremely low libido - I don't need it to be worse.
>
> My question is, after reading all the horrible withdrawal symptoms people have had - I'm wondering if I'm ok to stop it. I totally understand that the majority of the people withdrawing from it have been on it (and at a higher dose) for a long time, so I may not have any problem at all. Just curious for opinions (I have a call in to my dr and meet with my therapist in an hour) - do you think I can just stop taking it?
>
> Thanks so much!
Posted by wildcard on September 27, 2005, at 16:25:45
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by NicknameRay on September 27, 2005, at 11:21:21
Hey there and welcome! I am on Effexor XR and it is the only one to help me. I however, have severe anxiety,severe depressive d/o and PTSD. You said u do not have anxiety but mild depression w/ an already low libido. Although ur doc is correct about the family issue, it may not be the right med. for u BUT, it does take time. The side effects do ease up or go away and then u begin to feel better. Just to let u know, i recently had my doc add Wellbutrin XL along w/ the Effexor b/c it increases energy a good bit and i have been so fatigued lately BUT it is also known to up ones libido quite a bit. U may want to ask about this and also google it. Just some info. that i hope helps. Take care ; )
Posted by LynnPerley on September 27, 2005, at 21:55:29
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by NicknameRay on September 27, 2005, at 11:21:21
Ray - Yawning is a common side effect of Effexor XR and many other antidepressants. It does go away with time. I had it when I took my first antidepressant (Prozac) and between it and the jaw clenching effect I wanted something else - thus I ended up on Effexor.
Are you prescribed Effexor by a primary care physician or a psychiatrist? Psychiatrists have more experience medicating depression, and if your circumstances will allow it, get to one sooner rather than later. Personally, I think I waited too long to switch to a psychiatrist.
If you search this forum using keywords for your particular side effect you will find posts from many people who found different ways to relieve those side effects. Example: I found that Buspar (buspirone) is a cheap and effective medication to decrease the jaw clenching side effect - I took it in the evenings and it helped me sleep better. It did not give me any "hangover" type effect, either. Eventually, this side effect went away. The Buspar was recommended by a psychiatrist. When I complained about this side effect to the family doc who initially gave me a prescription for antidepressants, his solution was to switch to a different medication.
I would think you could give up the Effexor now without feeling much worse than you already do because it does not stay in your system for long, but a professional already thinks you need something in addition to therapy. If you are talking to a family doc now, I suggest you make an appointment with a psychiatrist to continue the process of finding the right medication.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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